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How do you manage headaches in stroke patients?

Is there a difference in headache management in ischemic stroke versus hemorrhagic stroke? How to best manage patients with underlying migraine who developed stroke/TIA? Is there a difference in headache management post-tPA?
2 Answers
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Neurology · Hartford HealthCare
Answered on

In general, I treat headaches based on phenotype. If they have associated migraine features then I treat them with migraine medications. If tension type then I address all the headache hygiene components. If cervicogenic then physical therapy for these. Always screen for and counsel on medication ov...

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Mednet Member
Neurology · University of Colorado, Climate & Health Dept
Answered on

It's generally the same as someone without a stroke. Triptans and some other medical classes are relatively contraindicated based on theoretical concerns and not hard data. So I use them only if other measures fail and with informed consent of potential risk.

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